THE LONGBOARD DANCING: WHEN THE DANCE GETS UNITED WITH THE GLIDE

In this Homie & Skate series, we propose you to discover an activity closely related to surfing: skateboarding. For this article, we focused on the longboard dancing, a discipline associated with with longboard in surfing. Stay with us to know about the longboard dancing in this article.

FROM CALIFORNIA TO PARIS: THE ORIGIN OF THE LONGBOARD DANCING

Invented in Los Angeles about fifty years ago by the surfers in need of waves, the longboard provided these ride enthusiasts with sensations similar to those of surfing. And this, in particular by the possibility of making tight turns on the bitumen, and thus of carving or with the discipline of the carving. However, the longboard evolved, some riders made it a means of transport. As with cruising for example. As for other riders, they have made it an object to experience strongs sensations by riding downhills. As you will have understood, in longboarding you can experience all sensations. 

Today, we talk to you about an art in particular and all the grace and the poetry which can be produced by this discipline: the longboard dancing.

Indeed, 10 years ago, the art of dancing was slowly mixed with the art of riding. Transforming the board into a dance floor for more aestheticism and emotions. 

Pirouettes, wheels that take off, crossed-steps, a new discipline was born: the longboard dancing.

THE METEORIC RISE OF LONGBOARD DANCING

If you walk on the quays of the Seine on a Sunday in Paris, it is normal to observe boards twirling at the level of the Orsay museum. This is the Docksession, the event created by one of the pioneers of longboard dancing: Lotfi Lamaali. A weekly gathering where passionate people meet to ride and dance together. This event has become emblematic in the longboarding world thanks to social networks, and has spread to a dozen countries. A large community now exists throughout the world. This tightly knit community supports each other on social networks. And the concept is based on sharing: exchanging new tricks, giving advice on trucks, and sharing videos.

THE LONGBOARD DANCING: THE SPORT THAT ENCOURAGES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

“When you’re doing a dance line, you can’t think about everything you are going to do, you’re going to jump in and see what happens: you do what you want.” In an interview with Riding Zone, Lotfi Lamaali describes a sport based on aesthetics and creativity. And not about performance. It is above all about letting the body express itself, disconnecting the mind from the body. The body then becomes an object in its own right with its own will. It no longer responds to the demands of the mind, but to its own sensation: unique and magical.

LONGBOARD DANCING AND ITS CONNECTION WITH SURFING

In this activity, it’s normal to see a skater, but we could say “asphalt surfer”, walking on his board. The basic and emblematic dance step of the discipline is called the cross step. And for us, surfers in water, this word tells us something, right? It is quite normal! This famous step, we also find it in longboard surfing on the water. The cross step consists in making steps towards the nose of the board, while crossing the legs and keeping the balance. 

Longboard surfing and longboard dancing are two closely related disciplines. Balance, aesthetics, body expression, we find these characteristics in longboard surfing.

From 9 feet, or 2.76 meters, a surfboard is considered a longboard. This shape allows the longboarders to leave more easily on the waves and thus to benefit from the wave before it breaks to take time to carry out cross step and other figures. The longboarders will thus privilege spots with space and waves with soft slopes and which can break a moment. In the Basque region, you can easily see these big boards on the famous Basque Coast. Emblematic spot for longboard, the CDB looks like a 70’s surftrip, “if it’s not too big”, as they say in the jargon and in the area.

In skateboarding, they will look for vast and flat urban spaces like the famous spots of the quays Anatole France in Paris and the National Library of France (BNF). The key to a good spot in longboard dancing is space. 

You will have understood it, at Homie Boards, we are passionate about sliding. And this, on all surfaces. Follow our news: we promise you to dig very soon other Ride disciplines and to make privileged links with surfing. 

For the moment, and between two tricks and other figures, don’t wait any longer: at the time of this article, the conditions are perfect for the little summer surf and dream. 

Warmth, sun, small perfect waves and between friends… What could be better to set your first cross step?

Thanks to our talented photographer and editor Amélie for this article.